Soldiers’ Union objects to SONA deployment

Even the soldiers think it was a bad idea.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA  FEBRUARY 7: The National Guard marches past the Parliament building in Cape Town, South Africa, on February 7, 2012 as part of preparations for the opening of parliament which will be happening on February 9, 2012. (Photo by Gallo Images / Foto24 / Leanne Stander)

The South African National Defence Union (SANDU) are objecting to the deployment of SANDF soldiers at today’s SONA. The presidency announced that there would be 441 defence force members deployed to protect parliament and other areas during the State of The Nation Address.

Initially, it seemed that SANDF members being deployed at SONA was an unprecedented move. However, it has now been noted that in previous nation addresses, soldiers have been deployed around The Castle and other parts of Cape Town. Their deployment was always small scale though and they were stationed in small groups. Numbers like 441 definitely have never be seen before. Things get even stranger, Speaker of Parliament Baleka Mbethe says she doesn’t know where the soldiers will be deployed. Confused? I think we all are, even the soldiers.

SANDU spokesman Jeff Dubazana told eNCA on Wednesday that proper procedures had not been followed.

“There should be what we call a signal, a legal document explaining the purpose of the deployment. Our soldiers have not been given this, they were simply given a verbal instruction.”

Dubazana says soldiers need time to know where they will be deployed. More importantly, they need to know if violence breaks out, how liable will they be? The liability question is particularly interesting as SANDU argue that in all likelihood this deployment is unconstitutional.

You can watch the full TV interview with Dubazana here. Remember SONA kicks off in Parliament this evening, President Zuma is due to speak at 7PM.